Donald Wayne Bittinger

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald "Jug" Bittinger, of Frostburg- beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and dear friend to many, who departed this life and was welcomed into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 18th, 2025, at the age of 84.

 Jug was born on March 27th, 1940 in Cumberland, MD, son of Luther Adam Bittinger and Delores Mae (Witt) Bittinger. His childhood and life was spent in Frostburg, MD. He graduated from Beall High School in 1959. He retired from Westvaco after 40 years being employed as a Millwright. Jug leaves behind his daughter, Deborah Bittinger, and son, Donnie "Burt" Bittinger; grandchildren, Sarah Twigg and fiancé Matthew Wojcik, Frostburg, Matthew Bittinger and Justin Weaver of LaVale; great-grandchildren, Caden Weaver and Adalynn Twigg, brother-in-law Tom Ramsey, Ft. Ashby WV, cousin Louella Bittinger, and long-time friend, Marlene Lennox, whom he loved both dearly, as well as his friends from Westvaco and the Frostburg area. 

In the 60's Jug raced stock cars at the local tracks, with Roseland Raceway near Frostburg being his favorite. Jug was an avid NASCAR fan ALL of his life, a passion he shared with his son, Burt, as well as, their shared joy of riding motorcycles. After turning 50, Jug earned his private pilot's license and purchased a 1946 Ercoupe airplane and enjoyed flying overhead his family and friends. Also, Jug was an avid golfer of the local courses, as well as a member of several bowling leagues. He especially looked forward to his annual Myrtle Beach golf outing with his Westvaco friends. 

As Jug's health began to decline, he moved in with Debi and they spent some of their best times together, watching John Wayne movies, taking rides in the country, and grabbing lunch along the way. During this time, Burt and Jug enjoyed watching NASCAR racing and sharing memories of Jug's racing days and their time spent together working on his #44 and #17 stock cars. 

Eventually, Jug had to be relocated to Goodwill Mennonite Home in Grantsville, MD, where he received excellent care. In his last days at Goodwill, Debi sat by his side talking and comforting him, not wanting him to be alone "when the angels came to take him home." Jug's granddaughter, Sarah Twigg, and great-granddaughter, Adalynn came to spend time with their Pap-Pap during his final days, and to show love and support to their Aunt Debi, which she so appreciated. 

Donald "Jug" Bittinger led a very full life and will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. His hope on this earth was to reunite with his mother and other family members, while waiting for all of us to join them in heaven, to spend eternity being together again.